Stephen Joseph Owen (April 21, 1898 – May 17, 1964) was an American football player and coach who earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as head coach of the National Football League's New York Giants from 1930 to 1953. Owen's skill at designing defenses, his fundamental approach to the game, and his innovative "A Formation," a variation on the single-wing, also helped his offenses thrive and served as the keys to his success. His tenure...
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Stephen Joseph Owen (April 21, 1898 – May 17, 1964) was an American football player and coach who earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as head coach of the National Football League's New York Giants from 1930 to 1953. Owen's skill at designing defenses, his fundamental approach to the game, and his innovative "A Formation," a variation on the single-wing, also helped his offenses thrive and served as the keys to his success. His tenure is remembered today by the odd congruence of his gravelly voice and easy disposition, as well as his perpetual tobacco chewing.
Owen was born and raised in a Native American area of the Oklahoma Territory, where his original goal was to become a jockey, a dream denied by his 5-11, 230 pound frame that earned him the nickname, "Stout Steve." In addition to working on a cattle ranch, Owen attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma where he was an all-around athlete for two years beginning in 1917. Adding to his income during this period, he...
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